Architectural Apprentice Review
at Grimshaw
Degree Apprenticeship
Architecture
Farringdon, Greater London
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I work as an architectural apprentice, where I support qualified architects with the design, planning, and delivery of building projects while developing my own skills and experience in the field.
On a day-to-day basis, I assist with preparing architectural drawings, plans, and technical documents using REVIT and other design software. I produce 2D drawings, 3D models, and visualisations, including renders, to help communicate design ideas clearly to clients and the wider project team.
I also support the development of design concepts by carrying out research, creating mood boards, and helping refine layouts based on feedback. Part of my role involves assisting with planning applications and ensuring that drawings and documents meet building regulations and project requirements.
In addition, I attend meetings where I take notes and learn from discussions with architects and other professionals such as engineers and contractors. I also carry out administrative tasks, including organising project files, updating information, and managing revisions to drawings.
Overall, my role allows me to contribute to real projects while gaining hands-on experience across different stages of the architectural process.
On a day-to-day basis, I assist with preparing architectural drawings, plans, and technical documents using REVIT and other design software. I produce 2D drawings, 3D models, and visualisations, including renders, to help communicate design ideas clearly to clients and the wider project team.
I also support the development of design concepts by carrying out research, creating mood boards, and helping refine layouts based on feedback. Part of my role involves assisting with planning applications and ensuring that drawings and documents meet building regulations and project requirements.
In addition, I attend meetings where I take notes and learn from discussions with architects and other professionals such as engineers and contractors. I also carry out administrative tasks, including organising project files, updating information, and managing revisions to drawings.
Overall, my role allows me to contribute to real projects while gaining hands-on experience across different stages of the architectural process.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my role as an architectural apprentice, especially at Grimshaw, where the working environment is incredibly supportive and encouraging. From the moment I joined, I’ve felt that everyone is approachable and willing to help, which has made a big difference to my confidence and development.
On a daily basis, I get the opportunity to work on drawings, plans, and renders, which I find particularly rewarding as I can see how my work contributes to real projects. What I enjoy most is being able to learn directly from experienced architects who are always happy to offer guidance and share their knowledge.
I’ve also been given some incredible opportunities to get involved in different stages of projects, which has helped me gain a much broader understanding of the architectural process. The level of support I receive means I’m constantly learning and improving, and I feel encouraged to ask questions and develop my skills further.
Overall, working at Grimshaw has been a really positive experience. The supportive team, combined with the opportunities I’ve been given, has made my role both enjoyable and highly valuable for my future career in architecture.
On a daily basis, I get the opportunity to work on drawings, plans, and renders, which I find particularly rewarding as I can see how my work contributes to real projects. What I enjoy most is being able to learn directly from experienced architects who are always happy to offer guidance and share their knowledge.
I’ve also been given some incredible opportunities to get involved in different stages of projects, which has helped me gain a much broader understanding of the architectural process. The level of support I receive means I’m constantly learning and improving, and I feel encouraged to ask questions and develop my skills further.
Overall, working at Grimshaw has been a really positive experience. The supportive team, combined with the opportunities I’ve been given, has made my role both enjoyable and highly valuable for my future career in architecture.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Over the nearly two years I’ve been at Grimshaw, I’ve developed a wide range of new skills that have really strengthened my confidence and ability as an architectural apprentice. When I first started, I had a basic understanding of the tools and processes, but through hands-on experience and support from the team, I’ve been able to grow significantly.
I’ve improved my technical skills by working regularly on drawings, plans, and 3D models, becoming much more confident using design software and understanding how to produce accurate, high-quality work. I’ve also developed my visualisation skills, creating renders that help communicate design ideas more effectively.
Alongside this, I’ve gained a much better understanding of the full architectural process, including planning requirements, building regulations, and how projects progress from early concepts through to more detailed stages. I’ve also built strong communication and teamwork skills by collaborating with architects and other professionals, as well as participating in meetings and discussions.
I’ve improved my technical skills by working regularly on drawings, plans, and 3D models, becoming much more confident using design software and understanding how to produce accurate, high-quality work. I’ve also developed my visualisation skills, creating renders that help communicate design ideas more effectively.
Alongside this, I’ve gained a much better understanding of the full architectural process, including planning requirements, building regulations, and how projects progress from early concepts through to more detailed stages. I’ve also built strong communication and teamwork skills by collaborating with architects and other professionals, as well as participating in meetings and discussions.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The degree apprenticeship programme at Grimshaw is very well organised, which has really helped me balance both my work and studies effectively. There is a clear structure in place that allows me to develop practical experience in the workplace while also progressing academically.
The programme is set up so that my university learning aligns well with the work I do in the office, meaning I can apply what I learn in real project situations. This makes the learning process much more meaningful and helps reinforce my understanding of architectural principles.
I’ve also found that there is strong support from both the practice and the university, with regular check-ins and guidance to ensure I stay on track. Deadlines, expectations, and objectives are communicated clearly, which makes it easier to manage my time and workload.
The programme is set up so that my university learning aligns well with the work I do in the office, meaning I can apply what I learn in real project situations. This makes the learning process much more meaningful and helps reinforce my understanding of architectural principles.
I’ve also found that there is strong support from both the practice and the university, with regular check-ins and guidance to ensure I stay on track. Deadlines, expectations, and objectives are communicated clearly, which makes it easier to manage my time and workload.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a high level of support from my employer at Grimshaw, which has been a key part of my development throughout the apprenticeship. I have access to multiple mentors within the practice, all of whom provide guidance, feedback, and encouragement whenever I need it. This has made it much easier to build my confidence and continuously improve my skills.
Everyone is approachable and willing to share their knowledge, so I always feel comfortable asking questions or seeking help. Whether it’s technical support with drawings and software or advice on design decisions, there is always someone available to guide me in the right direction.
I’m also provided with a wide range of tools and resources to support my learning, from software and training materials to real project experience. Being able to learn directly through hands-on work, alongside structured support, has been incredibly valuable.
Everyone is approachable and willing to share their knowledge, so I always feel comfortable asking questions or seeking help. Whether it’s technical support with drawings and software or advice on design decisions, there is always someone available to guide me in the right direction.
I’m also provided with a wide range of tools and resources to support my learning, from software and training materials to real project experience. Being able to learn directly through hands-on work, alongside structured support, has been incredibly valuable.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive a high level of support from both my employer at Grimshaw and my training provider, which has been a key part of my development throughout the apprenticeship. Having support from both sides has made it much easier to balance my work and academic responsibilities.
At Grimshaw, I have access to multiple mentors who provide ongoing guidance, feedback, and encouragement. Everyone is approachable and always willing to help, whether it’s with technical work, design ideas, or general advice. This supportive environment has really helped me build confidence and improve my skills.
At Grimshaw, I have access to multiple mentors who provide ongoing guidance, feedback, and encouragement. Everyone is approachable and always willing to help, whether it’s with technical work, design ideas, or general advice. This supportive environment has really helped me build confidence and improve my skills.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I’m confident that my qualification helps me perform better in my role as an architectural apprentice at Grimshaw. The knowledge and skills I gain through my studies directly support the work I do on a day-to-day basis.
Through my qualification, I’ve developed a stronger understanding of architectural principles, design processes, and technical requirements, which allows me to approach tasks with more confidence and accuracy. This has improved the quality of my drawings, plans, and overall contributions to projects.
Through my qualification, I’ve developed a stronger understanding of architectural principles, design processes, and technical requirements, which allows me to approach tasks with more confidence and accuracy. This has improved the quality of my drawings, plans, and overall contributions to projects.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are also plenty of extra-curricular activities to get involved in at Grimshaw, which really adds to my overall experience. During the summer, I have the opportunity to take part in activities like softball, which is a great way to socialise and connect with colleagues outside of the usual work environment.
There are also regular activities every Thursday that I can get involved in, which helps create a really positive and inclusive workplace culture. These events make it easy to meet new people across the practice and feel part of the wider team.
In addition to this, I’m able to attend a wide range of talks and presentations, which are really valuable for my professional development. These give me insight into different projects, ideas, and perspectives within architecture, helping to broaden my knowledge and keep me inspired.
There are also regular activities every Thursday that I can get involved in, which helps create a really positive and inclusive workplace culture. These events make it easy to meet new people across the practice and feel part of the wider team.
In addition to this, I’m able to attend a wide range of talks and presentations, which are really valuable for my professional development. These give me insight into different projects, ideas, and perspectives within architecture, helping to broaden my knowledge and keep me inspired.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Grimshaw to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would highly recommend Grimshaw to a friend because of the genuinely positive working environment. Everyone is approachable and supportive, which makes it easy to settle in and feel comfortable asking questions or seeking help.
There are also a lot of benefits to working here, along with opportunities to get involved in really interesting and diverse projects. Being able to contribute to such high-quality work makes the role both exciting and rewarding.
I’ve found that I’ve been able to develop and progress a lot during my time here, mainly because of how much I’ve learned on the job. The combination of hands-on experience, support from colleagues, and exposure to different aspects of architecture has really helped me grow.
Overall, it’s a great place to work if you’re looking to learn, develop, and be part of a supportive and engaging team.
There are also a lot of benefits to working here, along with opportunities to get involved in really interesting and diverse projects. Being able to contribute to such high-quality work makes the role both exciting and rewarding.
I’ve found that I’ve been able to develop and progress a lot during my time here, mainly because of how much I’ve learned on the job. The combination of hands-on experience, support from colleagues, and exposure to different aspects of architecture has really helped me grow.
Overall, it’s a great place to work if you’re looking to learn, develop, and be part of a supportive and engaging team.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Grimshaw?
Be confident
